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Trinity set to beat teenage angst with techno-therapy

IRISH researchers are developing a computer game they claim will help teenagers cope with depression.

Personal Investigator is an interactive detective game that, rather than allowing them to shoot enemies, encourages players to hunt for clues to help them identify the way they are feeling. They answer questions about their goals, home life and feelings, which the developers hope will help them resolve personal problems.

The game is being created by researchers at Trinity College Dublin as part of a €1.27m government-funded project by Media Lab Europe.

In Ireland, an estimated 300,000 people are affected by depression at any time. One in 10 adolescents are reported to experience a serious depressive disorder.

John Sharry, consultant researcher at Media Lab Europe and psychotherapist at the Mater hospital, said the game will be available to hospitals in Dublin from next year and will then be made available online. A substantial pilot study